Speak Out

The Path to the Presidency: What does the Constitution say about the executive office?

The role of the chief executive has remained much the same over the centuries. But many important rules about how they become chief executive have come into play through amendments to the U.S. Constitution. If the same rules were still in place from the 18th century, for example, the Nov. 4 elections could end with John McCain elected president and Barack Obama elected vice president, or vice versa. Until the Twelfth Amendment was passed in 1803, the vice presidency went to the runner-up in the vote count. However, Congress realized that it was difficult for two political rivals with potentially different viewpoints to govern together efficiently. Changes like this were meant to improve both the election process and the functions of government, to make it run more smoothly and give the president the maximum amount of support in fulfilling his duties effectively and efficiently. If the founding fathers knew then what we know now, what else do you think they would change about the way the executive branch works? How have the amendments made by Congress over the years affected the way our government is run? Do you think there are further modifications that could or should be made? How about the roles and responsibilities? What other qualifications do you look for when choosing who will best represent you as president? Join the discussion!
 
A change that should be made to the Constitution is how the people vote for the president. The American people should vote directly of the president of the U.S. Everything else about the government is fine.
Richard B., Strodusburg Junior High School, Stroudsburg, Pa.
 
 
Watch the next presidential debate on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT.

Watch replays of the fall debates (presidential and vice presidential) and follow along with interactive analyses on the New York Times Election 2008 debate site.
 
 
North Texas Student Voices
Senator Carona's Education Aide Paul Reyes with SV participants Aaron (Irving-Nimitz), Wendy (Richardson), Paige (Irving-Nimitz) and Jarvis (South Oak Cliff).
View More Photos
 



 

Other Voices

 

Current News

10/06/2008
Full of doubts, U.S. shoppers cut spending
The New York Times
10/06/2008
McCain, Obama camps trade barbs on negative ads
Associated Press
10/06/2008
Rivals present sharp divide on Iraq goals
The New York Times
10/03/2008
Courting middle-class voters
Washington Post
10/03/2008
Some facts adrift in veep debate
Associated Press
More News
 
 
Oct 6, 2008

Next Election

29 Days
2008 Presidential Election See Who Is Running Register To Vote
 
Find your federal elected officials Find your local elected officials Census profile of your community Find Newspapers in your area
 
What do is the most important thing to consider when you decide which presidential candidate to vote for?
 
All Online Polls